As another school year approaches in New Glarus, school buses will soon be back on village streets and rural roads, bringing with them an important reminder for drivers: When a school bus stops to pick up or drop off students, Wisconsin law requires motorists to give it plenty of room.

Under Wisconsin law, drivers approaching a stopped school bus from either direction must stop at least 20 feet away when the bus is displaying flashing red warning lights. Motorists must remain stopped until the bus begins moving again or the driver turns off the red lights.

The requirement generally applies to traffic traveling both behind and toward the bus. The primary exception is when motorists are traveling in the opposite direction on a divided highway separated by a median or another physical barrier. A multilane roadway without such a barrier does not create the same exception.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation guidance also distinguishes between amber and red school bus lights. Flashing amber lights warn drivers that the bus is preparing to stop. Motorists may continue past a bus displaying amber lights, but they should slow down, proceed cautiously and be prepared for the red lights to activate. Once the red lights begin flashing, drivers must stop.